The Top 10 Best Retro & Vintage Headphones in 2018

The best retro & vintage headphones will never go out of style. While other pairs of headphones simply look old after being in the market for a few years, retro or vintage ones are timeless. These are classics that will always look hip and fashionable. Perfect for men and women of all ages, retro headphones will always have its place in the audio equipment industry. The features may change and may improve through advances in technology, but the style remains.

There are various designs of headphones that are considered retro style. Many of these have leather and metallic parts. Some even have wooden material incorporated into its body. These best retro & vintage headphones aren’t necessarily too “old school” though. These also evolve and adapt to the demands of the current market when it comes to audio quality and extra features; but the look must stay vintage, of course.

Qualities to Look for in the Best Retro & Vintage Headphones

If you want a pair of headphones that “never get old”, then by all means, you should look for the best retro headphones. To ensure that you’re getting most of what you’re paying for, you should take into consideration some features and qualities that these headphones should possess. These characteristics include the following:

Design and Style

As mentioned, the best retro & vintage headphones usually have metallic and leather material incorporated in the design. Some manufacturers even use wood material to give it that more rugged look. There’s a classic feel in each pair that makes it seem like it was created decades ago but as soon as you wear it and use it, you’ll still get the comforts and benefits that modernity can offer.

Audio Performance

For all kinds of headphones, superior audio quality is a non-negotiable quality that each one should have. The sound must be clear, rich and crisp. Some retro headphones made with wood housing have an even more natural sound as the wood material used in the sound chamber enhances the acoustics. While the outside looks retro, once you play your music, your headphones should have sound quality that’s comparable to the modern ones that are meant to produce high definition audio.

Durability

Some headphones in the market today are very good looking and somehow affordable too; but if you make your choice based on design or look alone, you might sacrifice one more important non-negotiable quality – durability. The best retro & vintage headphones must be made with high quality materials that are durable enough to last for years even if you listen to your music for hours on the daily.

Comfort

Comfort through hours of continuous listening is also necessary. The best retro headphones should have padded ear cups and an adjustable headband so that you can have maximum comfort and a secure fit at the same time. Though there are some made with metal that are quite heavier than other headphones, it could be a better choice if you get one that’s lightweight. Unless you only listen to music using your headphones for a few hours per day, then a heavy pair would be quite uncomfortable.

Extra Features

Other features such as a built-in microphone with controls or wireless capability are just bonuses. If you can find a pair of retro headphones that can offer other features found in the latest headphone models, then you are getting a great deal. It won’t be difficult to find one though. In fact, there are a few retro headphone models included on the list below with a number of extra features too.

If you place retro headphones side by side and you only had to pick one based on design, the Symphonized Wraith Premium Genuine Wood Headphones will most likely be your first choice. Available in four different shades of wood on its ear cups with a lovely colored headband as well, it is hard not to fall in love the moment you set your eyes on this pair. No wonder over 700 customers have already rated it with a very impressive average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. You’re getting quite a bargain with the Symphonized Wraith Premium Genuine Wood Headphones.

If there’s something better than its design though, it would be the excellent audio quality with enhanced bass of the Symphonized Wraith Premium Genuine Wood Headphones. You wouldn’t expect to get professional quality sound for its price but this one from Symphonized is an exception as the audio it can produce is comparable to other headphones that are double or more its price. The best retro & vintage headphones come with two cords – one with an in-line microphone and another one without. The microphone comes with a control too so you can answer or end calls, control your music, etc.

Very comfortable with generous padding that does well in noise isolation too, the Symphonized Wraith Premium Genuine Wood Headphones’ headband is adjustable as well for a secure fit. It is compatible with all music devices with a 3.5mm jack, including music players, smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops and more.

If you’re looking for the best retro & vintage headphones, you’ll be happy to know that there are so many choices in all price ranges. Second on this list is the Panasonic Retro Over-the-Ear Stereo Monitor Headphones RP-HTX7-C1 simply because it looks as vintage as it can be and it has great features that will make it very enjoyable to use. Available in a wide variety of colors, the white and cream ones look even more retro. It sells at a very competitive price and has so far received over 1,500 ratings from happy customers. It boasts of an impressive average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

As a reputable brand when it comes to electronics, audio and video equipment, Panasonic has gained the respect of many through the years. The Panasonic Retro Over-the-Ear Stereo Monitor Headphones RP-HTX7-C1 is one of their popular products because it is very durable and expected to last for years even with daily casual use. It is comfortable to wear, thanks to its padded ear cups and adjustable headband. It is very lightweight too – weighing at just 5.4 ounces. It comes with a single-sided 3.9-foot cord. While there is no microphone on these headphones, it is compatible with most portable music devices with a 3.5mm jack including smartphones, tablets, etc.

More importantly, the Panasonic Retro Over-the-Ear Stereo Monitor Headphones RP-HTX7-C1 offers amazing sound quality that’s clear, rich and natural. The dynamic and true-to-life sound it offers is thanks to the large 40mm neodymium driver units built within the headphones. For great value for your money, you can’t go wrong with the Panasonic Retro Over-the-Ear Stereo Monitor Headphones RP-HTX7-C1.

At first glance, you’d think that these headphones look like those being used by old school air force pilots. It looks very rugged, vintage and simply beautiful. the Koss Pro-4AA Studio Quality Headphones sell for at an affordable price and it managed to go on the top third spot on this list of best retro & vintage headphones because of the value for money it can offer. While it isn’t the cheapest one you’ll find on the shelf, it can give you unbeatable audio quality. Some feedbacks from actual owners of the pair actually mention that the sound quality of this pair is comparable to headphones that are very expensive! Frequency response is at 10 to 25,000 Hz. It delivers such a natural and rich sound with the right amount of bass. As of writing time, over 200 customers have generously given these headphones an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Some owners mentioned that while the Koss Pro-4AA Studio Quality Headphones are very comfortable to wear, thanks to its cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband, this pair can be quite heavy though. However, if you only listen to your music on headphones for a few hours per day, that should be perfectly fine. After all, the good side about its heavy weight is that you know that this is a sturdy, very durable and not at all cheap pair of headphones.

Compatible with most music devices, the Koss Pro-4AA Studio Quality Headphones come with a 10-foot cord and a 0.25-inch plug. It also already includes a microphone mount hardware in the package.

If it isn’t for its slightly higher price compared to the first three pairs on this list, the California Headphone Company On Ear Metal and Leather Headphones could have easily made it on top. This pair of headphones is making its rounds in the audiophile and music enthusiast market because it’s so impressive-looking and sounding at the same time. Reviewed by over 100 customers, the California Headphone Company On Ear Metal and Leather Headphones have already received an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. While the brand isn’t the first one that comes to mind when it comes to audio equipment, this particular model is quite exceptional. From its looks to its features, you’re definitely getting more than what you pay for from this California Headphone Company pair.

The retro style of these headphones is undeniable and hard to resist. Lightweight and very comfortable to wear even for hours on end, the California Headphone Company On Ear Metal and Leather Headphones come with a 3.9-foot cord with duo-jack technology. Super durable as well, each pair features an authentic metal construction and a leather headband with high quality stitching. It also comes with an ultra-durable knitted cord.

Audio quality is so impressive too. Frequency response is at 20 to 20,000 Hz with a 50 nominal impedance. These best retro & vintage headphones are built with 40mm titanium drivers that make the audio quality clear and natural with just the right amount of bass. If you’re looking for a pair that will make every dollar spent worth it, the California Headphone Company On Ear Metal and Leather Headphones will be a great choice.

Available in Metallic Blue, the Ear Pollution Throw Bax Headphones can blend modern and vintage so perfectly that even those who are not so into retro will appreciate its look. This pair of headphones sell at a very affordable price, but the features it can offer is far from cheap. It has extra-large 40mm neodymium drivers that give you very smooth and clear sound and vocals with a super deep bass and undistorted highs. Frequency is at 20 Hz to 20kHz and impedance at 32 ohms. It comes with a 1.2-meter cord as well.

Very lightweight and designed ergonomically, the Ear Pollution Throw Bax Headphones feature padded ear cups and an adjustable faux leather headband that’s adjustable for a more secure fit. The Ear Pollution logo is also embroidered, not painted, on the headband for a classier look. Because the ear cups are cushioned and the headphones fits all head sizes securely, noise cancellation is quite impressive on this pair. You can enjoy the music more and worry less about background noise.

The Ear Pollution Throw Bax Headphones are compatible with most portable music and mobile devices that feature a 3.5 mm audio jack. Use it with your iPod or iPhone, BlackBerry, Android smartphones, tablets, computer, laptop and many more. Rated with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by very satisfied customers, you too can have the best time listening to your favorite music with these Ear Pollution Throw Bax best retro & vintage headphones. Being one of the more affordable headphones you’ll find in the market today is just a bonus.

From the side, the ear cups of the I-MEGO Headphones got that retro microphone look with its shiny finish and striped design. Its sleek vintage design makes this pair of headphones in demand by the fashion conscious. True enough, you will feel truly stylish and classy as you have this pair on your ears. More than its stylish look though, one would love how the I-MEGO Headphones can produce very good audio that’s crystal clear and natural with deep bass. You can listen to practically any type of music and get the same level of enjoyment with each one as these headphones can give you the listening pleasure, the same way you would from more expensive pairs. Not the cheapest pair in the market or on this list but still worth every dollar you spend for it.

The I-MEGO Headphones has a metallic finish on the ear cups and real leather headband that gives it such a retro feel. The I-MEGO signature stitching makes the headband look even more vintage. Very comfortable to wear even for hours on end, the I-MEGO Headphones are made with super durable yet lightweight materials. This a a solid pair and you can expect it to last for years even with daily use. The ear pads are made with premium memory foam so you get pillow-soft comfort that won’t make your ears feel tired at all. The headphones also feature and integrated on-button microphone that you can use to make and receive calls and to control the music you’re listening to.

The leather headband and the metal headband adjuster give the August EP634 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones a very retro look. Its features are not at all vintage though. In fact, this pair is as modern and advanced as headphones can get as it is wireless can connect via Bluetooth v3.0. It comes with a built-in microphone too so you can use it for hands free calling as well. The internal Li Ion rechargeable batter of the August EP634 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones can last for up to 16 hours of music playback. The headphones also come with playback and call controls so you don’t have to reach to your smartphone or music player at all when you want to answer or end calls, skip, pause or play a track.

The August EP634 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones also come with a detachable 3.5mm audio cable. Since its Bluetooth feature will only work on your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as you smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., this detachable cable may be used on other non-Bluetooth devices including your music players and more. Furthermore, this cable comes useful as you can continue enjoying your music even when the battery already runs out.

Aside from being a very attractive looking pair, the August EP634 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones are solid. The best retro & vintage headphones are durable enough to last even with daily casual use. It is so comfortable to wear too as its ear cups are padded and the headband is adjustable. It has quite an affordable price considering its wireless feature, the August EP634 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones are definitely great value for your money.

A fairly new product that has sparked the curiosity of music enthusiasts, the OKCSC® Stereo Super Bass Retro-Vintage Style Noise Isolation Enhanced On-Ear Headphones truly look as retro as how you’d imagine a pair of retro headphones should be. However, it is worthy to mention that this is a superior pair of headphones that you will surely love. Its ear cups are made with African sapele wood that resists corruption and termite-proof. It comes in a shiny finish with a very vintage look, these headphones are truly made of wood as you can actually smell the natural wood scent. An open-back pair of headphones, its adjustable headband is made with food-grade stainless material, which gives it such a unique design while keeping its guarantee of durability. The UE900 wire material used for its 1-2-meter cable is made with monocrystal copper thats twisted and remains unknotted and in shape. The ear cover is made with high-density sponge combined with biologic protein for maximum comfort.

Both the best retro & vintage headphones are quite impressive too and boast of a retro design. It’s up to your preference on which one you would choose. Both are very promising when it comes to sound quality. You’re getting a very natural and clear sound from these powerful headphones. Give in to your curiosity and try out this pair – it is definitely worth it.

Yet another wooden pair of headphones that looks extremely charming, you will surely be the envy of your friends as soon as they see you wearing these Tribeca Aviator-Style Natural Sound Headphones. Made with genuine maple wood from the outside of the ear cups to its sound chamber, you will get an unbeatable acoustic experience that’s so rich, so clear and very natural. These headphones come with 40mm speakers with an 18 Hz to 22 kHz frequency response which is more powerful than some of the previous headphones covered on this list. You aren’t only getting very clear audio quality, but much power and enhanced bass as well.

The pair comes with a one button in-line microphone. You can use this when taking calls hands free and to control your music too such as if you wish to play and pause tracks. The ear cups are padded and the metal headband is adjustable for a comfortable and secure fit. Though noise cancellation is not an advertised feature for this pair, many of the happy owners have mentioned that it does quite well in noise isolation. In fact, this pair is so good, it has now received an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from various customers. The best retro & vintage headphones are compatible with most players with a 3.5mm audio output including your music player, smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers, etc.

This pair sure is hard to resist. Durable and very solid too, you know that the Tribeca Aviator-Style Natural Sound Headphones are for keeps!

If you’re on a tight budget but you would prefer to complement your vintage style with a pair of retro headphones, you need not worry as the Eskuche 101512C2BLU Control v2 On-Ear Headphones have come to save your day. Available in a lovely blue color combined with a black headband and ear cups, these headphones have become one of the top choices among music enthusiasts of all ages. It comes with handmade 40mm speaker drivers with a Kevlar membrane so you’re getting very clear and balanced audio at all times. Use it to listen to just about any type of music from rock to hip-hop, classical to jazz, pop to alternative and so much more, you can be guaranteed that you’re getting the best retro & vintage headphones with the Eskuche 101512C2BLU Control v2 On-Ear Headphones.

These headphones come with a built-in microphone. It also has a 3-button control that is compatible with your Apple devices and may be used to stop and play music or answer and end calls. The rectangular ear cup design of the Eskuche 101512C2BLU Control v2 On-Ear Headphones make it a great fit for individuals with various ear and head sizes. Furthermore, this same feature is responsible for effective noise reduction. The ear cup is made with plush cushioning and the headband is adjustable and padded too for maximum comfort. The 90-degree gold-plated plug won’t break too easily. Its premium woven cable also prevents tangles.

You’re surely getting way beyond each dollar you spend for the Eskuche 101512C2BLU Control v2 On-Ear Headphones.

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